How To Treat Both Mild And Severe Cases Of Diaper Rash

Diapers are designed to be leak proof which is a good thing when it comes to keeping things clean.  Trouble is, by creating an airless environment that is warm and occasionally contaminated with fecal matter and urine, you’ve got the perfect conditions for fungal and bacterial growth.

But yeasts (which are a type of fungus) and bacteria are not always the culprits.  Some diaper rashes, particularly the milder cases, are simply the result of friction with the diaper, irritation from fragrances or chemicals used in cleaning products, or abrasion from washing the skin.   If the rash is the result of a yeast or bacterial infection, it usually appears as a very bright red area that is sore and sometimes scaly.  Satellite lesions or pustules around the red area, and along its edges are also common.  If the rash is caused by a fungus, skin folds and creases are normally also affected.

So what about treatment?  Here are some diaper rash remedies to get you started

1. Start by changing the diaper as frequently as possible.  The aim is to minimize the amount of time the skin is in contact with urine or fecal matter.


2. Try and have some time between diaper changes where the skin is exposed to the air.


3. Use water for cleaning and a soft cloth.  Avoid using any fragrant washes or cleaning cloths as the added chemical ingredients may be causing an allergic reaction.


4. Always ensure that the skin is thoroughly dry before putting on a new diaper.


5. A ‘barrier cream’ such as petroleum jelly may help to reduce the friction between the baby's skin and the diaper.  But once again, the skin needs to be completely dry.  Trapping moisture under the barrier cream will only make mattes worse.

Finally, if you suspect that the rash is the result of a bacteria or fungal/yeast infection, it is important that you consult with a pediatrician for a definite diagnosis.  A range of topical antifungal and antibacterial creams are available as well as (very mild) steroid creams that can assist in alleviating the irritation. Here's more information on how to get rid of a yeast infection.